Comments on: Artistic pretexts

By: June

June — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:42:07 +0000

Maybe we should all wish for a more arrogant, self-satisfied time, when appropriation wasn’t thought of (although it was done) and exploitation was something the commies did.

Or maybe we should try our darndest (damnedest) to be as ethical as we can, in spite of the inconvenience and loss of great art it could entail. In my case, the losses might not be that great.

But truly, in Basin Montana, I am taking advantage of the whole architectural, domestic detritus of the townscape; I wonder if I should share my earnings. Luckily it hasn’t yet been a problem.

By: birgit

birgit — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:00:15 +0000

Artists, nowadays, choosing homeless people or, a century ago, old people living in the poor house (Paula Modersohn-Becker) as their models take advantage of who has time to spend, certainly not your typical hedge fund manager.

By: Steve Durbin

Steve Durbin — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:33:05 +0000

I think the question of potential exploitation, like any ethical question, has to be answered by each artist for her or his own situation. The mere fact that an artwork represents or refers to the homeless does not make it exploitative, in my opinion. Just like a politician talking about the homeless, it could range from virtual abuse to the best hope possible.

The primary question, for me, would be at the photo-capturing stage of the process. If the subject is not harmed physically or psychologically, the rest is up to the artist. Viewers will have their own opinions, as always, and may or may not want to support the art in question.

From what I know, I have no problem with Hugo getting rich and famous with these photographs. I would certainly have higher respect for him if some profits supported appropriate programs in Nigeria.

In Bozeman, there was recently an excellent photo exhibit (Homeless in the Last Best Place by Bill Bilverstone) showing local homeless in their environments, and telling their stories. The photographer befriended them and spent significant time with them. I don’t know if he helped them out in other than these personal ways, but the show was designed to bring attention to their little-known plight. It may have been a small factor leading to the recent establishment of a shelter here.

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:08:28 +0000

Sunil:

The hyena fellow reminds me of one of the Saltimbanques that Picasso painted. As you may recall, these people, too, were performers and lived closely with a variety of beasts that were part of their touring acts. So I would have to think that these folks, living as they wish, are not worthy subjects of pity. Neither are many of the homeless. A large number retire to their domiciles after a day of importuning. Furthermore, a big problem for the police around here involves the large amount of money that many indigents carry – sometimes into the five figures. Unfortunately, a large proportion of these homeless fellow citizens have genuine issues, and the opportunistic among them only make things worse.